00293 Overview

Market Performance: The HSI fell by 2.1% to close at 26,059, with significant declines in the HSCEI and HSTECH, while total market turnover reached $357.679 billion.

Oil and Gold Stocks Rise: Oil prices increased, boosting stocks like PETROCHINA and CNOOC by over 4%, while gold prices also rose, positively impacting companies such as SD GOLD and ZHAOJIN MINING.

Airlines and Financials Decline: Airlines faced losses due to disruptions in Middle East routes, with CHINA SOUTH AIR and CHINA EAST AIR dropping over 8%, while major financial institutions like HSBC and BOC HONG KONG also saw declines.

Chinese Developers and Insurers Struggle: Chinese developers like SUNAC and CHINA VANKE experienced significant drops, while insurers and brokers also faced losses, reflecting broader market concerns.

Travel Alert Raised: The Hong Kong Security Bureau has issued a red travel alert for Iran and Israel due to escalating tensions from US and Israeli attacks, advising residents to reconsider their travel plans.

Cathay Pacific Flight Cancellations: Cathay Pacific has announced the temporary suspension of flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh, with specific cancellations scheduled from February 28 to March 5, 2026, for Dubai and from February 28 to March 3, 2026, for Riyadh.

Market Performance: The HSI rose by 197 points (0.7%) to 26,578, while the HSTI and HSCEI also saw gains, closing at 5,162 and 8,849 respectively.

Active Heavyweights: Notable stocks included Tencent (+2.8%), Meituan (+2.1%), and Alibaba (+1.0%), with significant short selling activity reported for each.

Constituents on the Move: SHK PPT surged by 6.8% to a new high, along with Wuxi Bio (+4.2%) and Trip.com (+3.2%), indicating strong performance among certain constituents.

Short Selling Data: Various stocks experienced high short selling ratios, with CCB and Xiaomi showing declines, while Cathay Pacific also hit a new high with a 2.1% increase.

Passenger Growth: Cathay Pacific and HK Express carried over 3.3 million passengers in January, reflecting an 11% year-over-year increase.

Cargo Performance: Cathay Cargo transported more than 130,000 tonnes of cargo in January, achieving a 5% year-over-year growth.

Record Passenger Day: On February 14, 2026, Cathay Pacific set a new single-day passenger record, exceeding 100,000 passengers for the first time.

Short Selling Data: As of February 24, 2026, Cathay Pacific's short selling amounted to $14.02 million, with a ratio of 4.595%.

Share Buyback Approval: At the EGM of Cathay Pacific Air, 99.9968% of shareholders approved a resolution to repurchase shares held by Qatar Airways.

Chairman's Remarks: Chair Patrick Healy expressed satisfaction with the buyback approval, highlighting it as a sign of confidence in the company's long-term prospects and thanked Qatar Airways, Swire Pacific, and Air China for their support.

Freight Volume Contribution: Cathay Pacific Air's special transportation solutions, including medical cold chain and live animal transport, accounted for 25-33% of its overall freight volume.

Growth in Live Animal Transport: The company's live animal cargo volume increased by 4.3% last year, largely due to demand from horse racing and collaborations with the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

New Aircraft Orders: Cathay Pacific Air has ordered six new-generation Airbus A350-F freighters, with deliveries set to begin in 2028.

Market Activity: The company's stock experienced a slight decline of 0.694%, with short selling activity reported at $3.67 million and a ratio of 6.410%.